Osun: The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has sought improved collaboration and investment in the eradication of Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) in the country. UNICEF Nigeria Country Representative, Ms. Wafaa Saeed, made this statement during a town hall meeting held to evaluate the impact of UNICEF’s support in combating NTDs in Faji Town, Odo-Otin Local Government Area of Osun.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, NTDs are a diverse group of conditions caused by various pathogens, including viruses, bacteria, parasites, fungi, and toxins. These diseases are associated with severe health, social, and economic consequences. Among the most prevalent NTDs in Africa are Onchocerciasis (Oncho) and lymphatic filariasis (LF). Nigeria bears 25 percent of the global NTD burden, putting 120 million people at risk.
Saeed emphasized that NTDs significantly affect the wellbeing of women, children, and communities, impacting their access to education and healthcare. This underscores the necessity for increased investment to alleviate the burden of these diseases. She explained that these diseases are termed ‘neglected’ due to their impact on the most vulnerable populations.
The UNICEF country representative also praised the residents for adopting Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) initiatives to curb NTD transmission in their community. She highlighted that the progress seen in this community serves as an example that NTDs are both preventable and treatable, demonstrating the impact of investment in such initiatives.
Saeed urged residents and local authorities to continue efforts in halting NTDs and maintaining the town’s open defecation-free status by investing in hygiene, toilets, and handwashing facilities. She reassured the community of UNICEF’s ongoing support.
Meanwhile, Micheal Nyenhius, President and CEO of UNICEF, United States, commended the traditional ruler and residents for disrupting NTD transmission and achieving an open defecation-free status. Nyenhius reiterated UNICEF’s commitment to children’s wellbeing, stating that maintaining good hygiene and eliminating open defecation are vital for children’s health-a goal that Faji Town has accomplished.
Additionally, the state’s Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, Prof. Moruf Adeleke, noted that the UNICEF visit was to assess the progress of its interventions on NTDs and WASH programs initiated seven years ago. Represented by a director in the ministry, Mr. Gbadebo Iyanda, Adeleke confirmed the community’s successful attainment of open defecation-free status and interruption of NTDs.
The town’s traditional ruler, Oba Moshood Olaleke, the Afaaji of Faji, expressed gratitude for UNICEF’s contributions and support. Olaleke acknowledged that the efforts of UNICEF, the state government, and other donors have led to the elimination of NTDs and the promotion of WASH in the town.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that during the town hall meeting, residents shared testimonies about the effectiveness of the drugs provided for treating Onchocerciasis and Lymphatic filariasis. The UNICEF team also inspected boreholes and water toilets constructed by the residents.